Lucknow: The International Ramayana Conclave, organized by the Department of Tourism and the International Ramayana and Vedic Research Institute under the Department of Culture, witnessed the grand staging of the mega play ‘Hamare Ram’ at Jupiter Hall in Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Gomti Nagar. The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh. The packed auditorium was captivated by actor Ashutosh Rana’s powerful dialogue delivery in the role of Ravana. The event also featured the Ramleela and Ram Van Gaman Path exhibition, Shabari Katha, Ramayana and Vedic Science Quiz, ‘Ram Se Rashtra’ Magic Show, and a global dialogue on Lord Ram, which explored many lesser-known aspects of Ramayana.
Speaking on the occasion, Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh highlighted the significance of the International Ramayana Conclave in preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage. He stated that the ideals of Lord Ram, his discipline, and teachings based on dharma remain relevant not just in India but across the world. He emphasized that such events inspire the younger generation to connect with their roots and imbibe the values of Ramayana in their lives.
In ‘Hamare Ram,’ actor Ashutosh Rana’s portrayal of Ravana and Rahul Bhuchar’s performance as Lord Ram brought the epic to life. The play also featured Danish Akhtar as Hanuman, Tarun Khanna as Lord Shiva, Harleen Kaur as Goddess Sita, and Karan Sharma as the Sun God. Directed by Gaurav Bharadwaj, the play enthralled the audience. The event was attended by eminent dignitaries, including Principal Secretary of Culture and Tourism Mukesh Meshram, Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Sheel Nagu, Director of Information Shishir, and several other distinguished guests.
Earlier in the day, at 11:30 AM, storyteller Jitesh Srivastava from Lucknow narrated the tale of Shabari, which was highly appreciated by the audience. Following this, a Ramayana and Vedic Science Quiz competition was conducted among school children, where participants answered questions related to the Ramayana and Vedic knowledge. Students from Shri Ram Swaroop Memorial Public School, Maharaja Agrasen Inter College, St. Joseph’s School, Bal Nikunj College, and Navyug Public School emerged as winners and were felicitated. The next segment featured the ‘Ram Se Rashtra’ Magic Show by magician Rakesh Srivastava from Lucknow, which mesmerized schoolchildren with its captivating tricks. The exhibitions on “Ramleela Across the World” and “Ram Van Gaman Path” also drew significant attention from attendees.
Renowned actor Ashutosh Rana shared during the global dialogue on Lord Ram that the mega play ‘Hamare Ram’ has been staged 160 times across 11 to 12 states in the past year. Highlighting Lord Ram’s grandeur, he stated, “To truly understand Lord Ram, one must have the vision of Ravana.” He added that the story of Lord Ram unites people, and only when suffering ends does one truly relish the tale. He emphasized that when the divine listens to our suffering, it transforms into an epic. Through ‘Hamare Ram,’ they aim to spread joy and spiritual exchange among audiences.
